 |
Endangered species conservation report
Species management plans
Studbooks or co-ordinated programmes
DOC & CMAG programmes
Re-introduction programmes
It's easy to assume that a zoo's main role in conservation is the breeding of endangered species, but zoos are unable to 'save the planet' through this activity alone, although it is an important contribution. A far wider and multi-faceted approach is needed, and this includes:
- support for animal populations in the wild (in situ conservation)
- research
- education of human communities about the endangered species around them
- take responsibility for the impact they have on their environment with a view to creating a sustainable future
At Wellington Zoo, we believe that the most effective contribution we can make to conservation is to educate our visitors about the challenges - predominantly caused by human intervention - facing the animals in the wild.
We hope they will then take responsibility for their actions and develop a commitment to the welfare of the planet we all share, humans and animals together. Click here to learn more about the conservation themes at Wellington Zoo.
As you read this information on conservation and the animal fact sheets, you will understand why so many animal species are affected. Remember, if a species like the Sumatran tiger, red panda or black stilt is critically endangered, it is very likely that its entire habitat - its surrounding flora and fauna - is also under threat.
In educating you about these issues and what you can do, we can help to ensure that we have a sustainable long-term future.
Wellington Zoo Endangered Species Conservation Report
Wellington Zoo is committed to playing a part in ensuring a viable future for all Earth's inhabitants. One of the ways we contribute to this is through active involvement in international captive breeding programmes for both native and exotic endangered species. The aim is to maintain sufficient genetic diversity to sustain viable breeding populations over the longer term.
Return to top
| Species management plans |
| Species |
Activity |
| Cheetah |
- Two males
- Non-breeding group
|
| Malayan Sun Bear |
- One male and one female
- One cub
|
| Red panda |
-
Two males, two females
- Breed as directed
- New breeding pair established 2007
|
| Rothschild giraffe (hybrid) |
- One male and two females (hybrid)
- Adults contracepted
|
| Sumatran tiger |
- One female and her son born in 1996
- Awaiting allocation of new pair for breeding
|
| Tuatara (Stephens Island/Cook Strait) |
|
Return to top
| Species with studbooks or co-ordinated programmes |
| Species |
Activity |
| Black and white ruffed lemur |
- Two females
- Awaiting recommendations
|
| Black stilt |
|
| Chimpanzee |
- Six males and six females
- Breeding required from one female only
|
| Cotton-top tamarins |
- Five males and one female
- Alpha male vasectomised June 2002
|
| Golden lion tamarins |
|
| Kea |
|
| North Island kaka |
- 2 females, 3 males; part of breeding programme.
- Chicks from one pair went to wild at Maungatautari mainland island and to Karori Sanctuary from the second pair.
- One male is ‘Harold' advocacy bird.
|
| Oriental small-clawed otter |
|
| Campbell Island Teal |
- One female, one male
- Hold on breeding
|
| White -cheeked gibbon |
- One adult male and one female
- Together for breeding
|
Return to top
Department of Conservation (DOC) & Conservation Management Group (CMAG) programmes
|
Species
|
Activity
|
Brown Kiwi
|
- History of breeding regularly. 52 chicks raised 1981 - 1999.
- Four adult males. Non-breeding facility until further notice.
- One legged male for advocacy.
|
Kereru
|
- One female, one male.
- Male for advocacy.
|
Morepork
|
- One female for advocacy.
- Stock scarce.
|
Green Gecko
|
- Eight males, three females and three unsexed juveniles.
|
| Otago Skink |
- two males; two females; two juveniles, plan to breed.
|
| Duvaucel's Gecko |
- Three males, one female
- Plan to breed and exchange a male for another female
|
| New Zealand Falcon |
- One female, for advocacy only.
|
| Forest Gecko |
- Two male; six females; one unsexed juvenile. Plan to breed
|
Return to top
| Species with re-introduction programmes |
| Native Species |
Activity |
| Kaka |
|
| Kiwi (brown) |
- Have hatched eggs collected from the wild and released young through 'Operation Nest Egg' (no longer part of programme as too far from habitat)
|
| Campbell Island teal |
- First successful breeding 2005
- Provided young for possible release to Campbell Island
|
| Tuatara |
|
Return to top
| |
